Calibration phantom and improved method of quantifying calcium and bone density using same

摘要

A calibration phantom representative of human tissue containing variable concentrations of calcium serves as a calibration reference for quantifying calcium, bone mass and bone mineral density in radiography and CT imaging systems. The method of fabrication of the calibration phantom provides the long-term stable incorporation of calcium into a tissue equivalent material which allows accurate, standardized, and reproducible quantification of calcium and bone mineral density in radiography and CT imaging systems. A method of using the calibration phantom for quantifying calcium and bone includes placement of part of a patient's anatomy in a bolusing apparatus to provide uniform attenuation of the x-ray beam passing through and around the patient's anatomy. A x- ray filter plate may be used to predictably attenuate the x- ray beam.